When Logo TV was launched in 2005 with much hullaballoo and grandiose promises about finally providing the LGBT community with its very own TV channel, we were all very excited.  Its programming was initially a blend of movies with gay themes, reality television, travel programming, dating/romance shows, documentaries, music videos, stand-up comedy, news, and syndicated programs with gay characters or gay interest/fanbases. According to its website at the time, “We’re kind of big on fierce stuff, and that can mean a lot of things. Fiercely original programming to us means that in a perfect world everyone would be this interesting.” 

However by 2012 Logo had ‘dumped’ the LGBT part and morphed into being just yet another light-weight entertainment channel that survived mainly on some dubious reality shows. It was a major disappointment when they simply forsook all their fine promises and commitments to our community and adopted what is now a  largely insignificant and forgettable schedule. Its one major hit which even attracted an Emmy Nomination for its host was RuPaul’s Drag Race, but even that has been moved on to VH1 the network’s other channel.

Now with minimal LGBT programming on its channel, last September Logo introduced the ill-conceived gay dating game Finding Prince Charming which was savaged by reviewers as ‘beyond boring’ and ‘poorly constructed reality television’ and ‘dull, poorly produced and not deserving of anyone’s time or energy’.  This week they launched their second original series and another reality program called ‘Fire Island’ which will need to start containing some drama if it wants to survive.

Clearly with such scarce, and poor LGBT-related content on the channel there is little reason for us to want to continue to subscribe.  But just before we were about to pull the plug , Logo has announced this week that for the 2nd year running they will broadcast live the Grand Finale of Eurovision Song Contest, the longest-running annual international TV song competition and probably the gayest program in the whole world with its really bad catchy pop tunes, extravagant costumes and over-the-top production. It will air live and commercial free on Saturday, May 13 at 12 PM PT.

The question is : should we stay or should we go? We love Eurovision but we still miss all the programming that Logo initially promised and which our community so deserves.